Dove81

How does God's steadfast love in the Old Testament relate to his mission of love in John 3:16? In the Old Testament they were required to sacrifice animals in atonement of the sins they committed. God knew we needed someone that could completely take on our sins, sickness and disease. I believe that God knew that we would never be able to fulfill the law that was required in the Old Testament. You'd have to have been perfect and we know the only perfect man without sin is Yahshua. God came in the form of man, Yahshua and took sin away for all man kind by the shedding of His blood. In John 3:16 it shows Gods steadfast love for the past sins, present sins and future sins.

Q2. What does faithfulness have to do with trustworthiness and keeping one's word? In order to be trustworthy and faithful you must be one who keeps their word. Otherwise it would be hard for people to trust you. God is faithful, trustworthy and His word never returns to Him void. Im just grateful that He is my Lord, Savior and Redeemer. What does the Faithful God inspire in you? To be who He called me to be, to be a doer of the word and not just a hearer. To share His word and my experiences with non-believers and believers. Why must faithfulness be part of our character as believers? We have to have faith in God whom we’ve never seen or touched. We have to have faith and believe that He sent His only son Yahshua to die on the cross for our sins. We have to have faith in God to get us through life.

Q1. Why was God's willingness to forgive essential to Israel's survival in the wilderness? Without God’s forgiveness the Israelites would not have survived. They were constantly rebelling against God. Complaining that they’d have been better if they'd stayed in Egypt . Was Israel contrite after turning away from the Lord in Exodus 34? Yes Israel was contrite after turning away from the Lord. They continued to rebel and as for forgiveness. What is so amazing about God's forgiveness? God is so amazing to forgive us of our sins, we are a rebellious and stubborn people. An yet He continues to love us and cast our sins into the sea of forgetfulness. Giving us new mercy and grace each day!

Q5. What do we miss in our understanding of God if we remove the metaphor of Father and Son from our church vocabulary? It is very sick and disturbing that people want to bring politics into understanding God and His word. It’s upsetting that people want to change the narrative to fit whatever agenda is of popularity at the moment. It’s demonic and just shows that we live in a fallen world. God is a spirit how in the world can you give Him a gender? We call Him Father because He created everything and Jesus was a male which would make Him Gods son. Fathers are the authority figure in the home, the provider, the defender all traits of God. I really believe that people like Ruth Duck have daddy issues and this is her way of not dealing with it. Which feminine metaphors of God especially help you understand God's nature? Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you. As a mother I cant imagine ever forgetting my children, but I understand that every mom isn't like me. This verse brought me comfort not too long ago when I was feeling like God had forgotten me. Funny thing is my teenager read this verse to me and it reminded me that God never forgets us and He never stops loving us.

Q4. In what sense was God the Husband of Israel? God protected them and defended them. He sustained and provided for them. They completely depended on Him to lead them through the wilderness. He made the decisions that best suited them. What is the New Testament extension of this metaphor? The Church is no the bride of Christ with Jesus being the bridegroom. What causes God to be jealous? When we put everything before Him. We start to worship creations instead of the creator.

Q3. In what sense are Jesus and the Father one? Jesus and God are one of the same with the Holy Spirit. Jesus is God in the flesh. Since God who is a spirit couldn't come to earth to take on our sin since we are flesh. He came in the flesh as Jesus to be a living sacrifice for all man kind. Taking on every sin possible to man by dying in the flesh. Then returning to heaven in spirit form. Jesus obeyed the Father and did only what he told him to do. In what way was Jesus distinct from the Father? Jesus was fully man which makes him different from the Father who is spirit. Is Jesus God in the sense that the Father is God? I believe that Jesus is God in the flesh, He is the living word. God knew that we couldn't possible save our selfs by fulfilling the law. We needed Jesus to take on our sin so that we could be saved. God is a spirit, we needed a savior in the flesh, so God sent His son Jesus to fulfill the law. God is the Father since he created Jesus yet they are one and the same with the Holy Spirit. Who was sent after Jesus to dwell within us, so we have God in us.

Q2. How was the intimate way that Jesus taught his disciples about God as "Abba" and "Father" different from the Jews' understanding of God as Father? The Jews looked at the word Abba as something a child would say to address their father. Jesus taught the disciples that Abba is our father in heaven. Almost like addressing God as Abba makes God greater and on a different level than Father which is more for an earthly parent. How does God as Abba influence your relationship with him? Knowing Him as Abba for me makes our relationship more intimate. It makes it easier for me to trust His guidance, to depend on Him, to pray and know that I'm speaking with someone who really truly cares about my well being. He knows me in a way no one else does. Im comfortable with God, i can be myself and know that no matter what mistakes I make He’s never going to stop loving me.

Q1. What does the concept of "father" teach us about God, especially the formal way in which the word is used in the Old Testament? It teaches us that the father is the head of the household, the decision maker and the provider. God should be the head of our lives, our provider and sustainer. He is who we should trust to lead us in every area of our life. According to the quote from Otfried Hofius above, which two aspects of a father underlie our understanding of Father in the Old Testament? The father rules, he’s head of the household, the decision maker and the one who everyone depends on. He is respected and has complete authority over his household. God being our creator, is our father. We are to give Him authority over our lives, respect Him and depend on Him. All our trust should be in God and He should be the one leading and guiding us. How should they affect our behavior? We need to be obedient to Gods word, allowing Him to lead us and guide us. Have respect for Him and put all our trust that He will protect, provide and sustain us. That God knows whats best for us in every area of our lives.

Q4. Meditate on the concept of God as a Spring of Living Water or a Fountain of Living Water for you. What does this say about God? God is my everything, the only one I depend on. He will take care of me and everything that pertains to me. Im never alone, God is always with me. About your thirst? I’ll never be thirsty because Gods well never runs dry. About your future? Its is safe and secure in Gods hands.

Q3. Why do we sometimes resist calling on God to be our Helper? We often think we can handle things on our own and don’t need help from God. Why do we try to do it ourself first? We’re stubborn and think we know what’s best. What is required of us if God is to be a Helper and Shepherd to us? To believe and trust Gods as our helper and shepherd.

Q2. (Psalm 23) Can you remember any times when God has cared for you as a Shepherd -- in times of blessing and in times of trouble? Yes I can remember times that God has cared for me in times of trouble and in times of blessings. God cares for me continuously, He’s so gracious that He even cared for me while I was still in sin. I don’t believe there is a time when God is not caring for all of us, after all He created us why wouldn’t He care about His creation. What are you facing right now where you realize your need to rely on God as your Shepherd? There is so much going on in my life I depend on God for everything. He is my everything.

Q1. (Genesis 22:1-14) Do you think Abraham was really expecting God to provide a sacrifice, or that was just what he told Isaac? No, I don’t believe Abraham was expecting God to provide a sacrifice. I believe Abraham thought that God would just bring Isaac back to life. What support do you have for your position? Abraham tied Isaac up and pulled his knife out. He was going to go ahead with what God had told him to do, he only stopped because God called out to him and told him not to lay a hand on Isaac. Did you ever receive a last-minute provision from God? Yes In what circumstances can we expect God to supply our needs? In all circumstances. Any conditions? You must first believe in God and accept him as your Lord and savior. You also have to believe that God can and will supply all your needs no matter what the situation looks like.

Q4. (Psalm 121). What does it mean that God is our Keeper. God watches over us, and thinks about us more than the grains of sand. He is faithful to never leave us or forsake us, He love ex us with an everlasting love. He is our rock eternal. In what ways does he "keep" or "guard" us? He is always aware of what is going on is our lives and is with us to help us get through everything that comes our way. We are never alone for His spirit is in us.

In what ways is God a Rock in the above verses. God is a rock in that He is strong tower, a shield, and defender. He’s a place of refuge, a fortress, He can not be moved, he’s sturdy and dependable, He’s never changing. What functions does a rock perform in Palestine? Rock in Palestine is used as a hiding place.

Q2. (Psalm 3:3) In what ways is God a shield? God protects us all day long from seen and unseen dangers. He watches over us and our homes at night while we sleep. In what ways is he our glory? Through God we are able to conquer danger. Healed of incurable diseases, sustained when we’ve lost jobs or homes. Comforted at the loss of a loved one. He gets the glory out of our lives and strengthens us along the way. In what ways is he "the lifter up of my head"? When we are weak, God gives us strength and makes us strong. He send His angels to encamp around us so that we don’t stumble and fall. His word encourages and strengthens us when we we’d encouragement or a reminder that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. What does this teach us about God? That God loves us with an ever lasting love. He cares about His creation making sure that every detail of our life is known to Him. He’s all powerful and we can trust Him. God knows what’s best for us at all times and will protect and defend us. About ourselves? I know I can’t nor do I want to live life without God being the head of it. I’ve tried my way of living for years and it brought heartache and pain. I need God’s guidance, grace, mercy and love everyday. I need His strength and I need Him to restore me, to heal my body when I’m sick. I need God in my life all the days of my life. He is my EVERYTHING!

Q1. (Psalm 91) What is the protected one required to do in times of danger (verses 1-2, 9). Make The Most High God your dwelling place, your refuge and fortress. Trust in Him and rest in Him. What metaphors are used of God's protection in this psalm? In verse 4 God’s protection is likened to a mother bird putting her young under her wings to protect them.

Q4. What is the significance of the confession "Jesus is Lord"? Proclaiming that Jesus is Lord over all. Making it known to all that He is my savior, my king, my redeemer. Why is this necessary for salvation, according to Romans 10:9? If you can’t believe that Jesus is real and God raised Him from the dead then you can’t possibly believe Gods word. You won’t be able to grasp His love for us, His patients with us, His forgiveness, His grace or mercy for us.

Q2. What are the personal implications of Yahweh being your King and of Jesus being the Messiah sent from God? When I accepted Yahweh as my King and Jesus as the Messiah, I gave them authority over my life. I am now under God’s rule and apart of His kingdom. What are the advantages of being the subject of Yahweh as King? I have access to the Lord All Mighty through prayer for anything that goes on in my life or others that I pray for. I’ve been reborn, no longer my old self and the Holy Spirit resides in me. I’ve been forgiven of my sins through Jesus shedding His blood on the cross. I’m now apart of the body of Christ. What does it mean for you to submit to the King on an everyday basis? Asking God to lead and guide me and my loved ones through the day. Praying that no harm comes near our dwellings. That His will be done over my life and not my own. How does a person reject Yahweh from being King over him or her? Not believing that Yahweh is God and Lord over all.

Q1. (Isaiah 40) What does Isaiah 40 teach us about the necessity of preparing ourselves for the Lord (verses 3-5)? Prepare for the Lord by repenting of our sins. Staying in the word for the Lords return is coming and we need to be ready for it. About God's tenderness and compassion (verse 11)? God loves His flock, He are for anthem and will protect them. Watching over them to make sure no harm comes to them, He provides all their needs. About God's glory vs. the glory of nations (verses 15-17)? God’s glory is greater than any nation. He created them so he can also destroy them. Why do we get so enamored by the glitter and glory of the world? We all like shiny things, the things that we think will fulfill us. Or allow us to belong to something that really doesn’t bring us fulfillment. Some of us never realize that what we desire and long for from this world and people has already been given to us by a relationship with God. Nothing in this world compares to the glory of God. What pieces are we missing (verses 15-17, 21-26)? That God has created everything and is the ruler over all things. Nothing and no one is as mighty as Him. According to verse 31, how can we draw strength from the Lord? We draw strength from the Lord by believing in Him and having faith that He will do what He’s promised.

Q4. (Isaiah 38:3) What is the basis on which Hezekiah asks for healing? That he walked with the Lord whole heartedly. Why is personal righteousness and holiness important in getting your prayers answered? God sees our obedience to Him and though we can’t be perfect we can strive to be better. When we repent of our sins and move forward with the right mindset staying in Gods word. How can unrighteousness prevent answered prayer if all gifts from God are by grace anyway? God gives gifts when He chooses and to whom He chooses. He has answered sinners prayers but is more inclined to hear a believers prayer and answer it than a nonbeliever.

Q3. (Isaiah 38:2-3) Why is Hezekiah's healing important for his nation? The nation needed to have a strong leader and there was no male heir to take the throne if Hezekiah passed away. How did it relate to God's promises made to David (2 Samuel 7:11b-16)? God promised David that his throne would live on forever, in order for that to happen Hezekiah must have an heir of his own to succeed him.

Q1. Read 1 Samuel 8:15 and Malachi 3:8-10. How did tithing relate to a person's acceptance of God being their King in the Old Testament? How about for those of us who live under the New Covenant? What place does tithing have for us?Tithing 10% was required, not only to maintain the Lords house but also to help the priests be taken care of. This allowed them to focus on God and not have to look for work elsewhere. How about for those of us who live under the New Covenant? We are to give and be cheerful about it. I don’t agree with telling people that if you tithe God will bless you. It gives the feeling of I have to give or do something for God to bless me or do something for me. That’s not right, God doesn’t need us to do anything for Him, let alone to receive a blessing from Him. What you give is between you and God, you should pray and ask the Lord to lead you as to what to give. One can’t live under the law and under grace.

Q4. Define "justice," "vengeance," and "mercy." Justice is giving someone what they deserve. Vengeance is retaliation for something they did, like revenge. Mercy is giving someone something they don’t deserve, forgiveness. Can a Holy and Righteous God justly forgive sins without punishing them? Yes, Jesus died on the cross taking on all our sin. In order to receive the gift God gave us, His son Jesus, we must repent and turn from our ways. You have to be born again (John 3:3 and John 3:5-7). What is the significance of the cross in God's righteousness? The cross signifies the sin that Jesus took on for all man kind. Which gives us mercy and grace that we don’t deserve. An God loves us that much that He gives it to us new each day.

Q3. (Psalm 68:5) Since our God is the Helper of the Fatherless and the Protector of Widows -- that is, the poorest and weakest of society -- what does this say about a Christian's commitment to social justice in our communities? As believers we are to lead the way in social justice. Rallying behind what is true, right and just for everyone. If we don’t take a stand in what is right how can we expect nonbelievers to do it. Let alone be reborn in Christ. We are to lead by example displaying the word of God. How should it affect our actions? Get out and get involved in the stuff going on in our communities.

Q2. If we believe that truth and morality are all relative to one's culture, how can we know and understand the Righteous and Upright God? The only way to ever know if God is upright and righteous is by having a relationship with Him. He must dwell within you (the Holy Spirit) and you must have His word hidden in your heart. You have to be in constant communication with Him. Studying His word and meditating on it. We live in a world that is so corrupt, a world that ruled by satan. A lot of today’s church’s aren’t even preaching Gods word. It’s all about making the congregation feel good and any an everything is accepted. It’s all about numbers and money. Which means the church will allow anything. Even going against Gods word, just to fit in and be culturally accepted. It’s sickening and because people don’t have a relationship of their own with God they don’t know if what the preacher is teaching is the truth. There is only one way to God and that’s through his son Yahshua. Gods word which in the Bible is the only truth. It’s bothersome because no one respects Gods word anymore. We have so many different versions of the Bible, where scripture is either left out or not translated the same. As the world gets closer to the return of Yahshua it gets further and further away from the truth. God is the only truth, His word will never change nor will it pass away. Everything else is temporary. Extra credit for present-day evangelists: How can we declare God and his Son Jesus Christ in a relativistic world? What is an effective approach? (There is no simple answer here. What is an effective communication strategy in your community?) By sharing the goodness of God. People that know me that aren’t believers will often ask how have I not given up. Why and how can you go through some of the things you’ve been through and still live life with peace and joy. For them I always say But God! God has carried me though so much, an in each trial I’ve learned more about his character, His love for all man kind and about who and what I am to Him. We are to share His word and our testimonies with the unbelievers. An show them in the word in the Bible to back up what we are saying. We are the watchmen, we aren’t just put here on earth for our own enjoyment. We are to teach and encourage those who don’t know or have known but turned away about God and His love, grace and mercy. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit I believe Gods light shines bright in us. It will cause people to stop an inquire or they will get far away from you. We are here to help glorify God and to help increase His kingdom. It starts with a simple conversation, do you know the awesomeness of God.